Is Industrial Physics for you?

We are looking for students who;

• Like to figure out how things work
• Like to figure out how to do things better
• Are curious out the world around them
• Like actually building stuff (or think they would like to...)
• Aren't afraid to work hard at something they think is fun or important.
• Aren't afraid of computers or screwdrivers.

What about grades and classes in high school? Ideally you should have had;

• At least high school algebra and be ready for Pre-calculus in their first term at college
• Some science courses (not necessarily physics, although if you can arrange to take it we recommend you do!)

If you are considering any of the following majors, you should also be considering Industrial Physics;

• Physics
• Any field of engineering (especially Electrical or mechanical)
• Applied physics
• Engineering Physics
• Any engineering techology degree (EET, MET, etc.)

If in doubt, find out. Give us a shout...( dlarrabee@po-box.esu.edu )

What Courses do the students take?

Students will take a wide variety of courses (not just physics courses) For instance when the program is completed the average student will have taken

• Physics Courses 55 Credits
• Mathematics Courses 15 Credits
• Chemistry Courses 8 Credits
• Biology Courses 4 Credits
• Economics Courses 6 Credits
• Communications 3 Credits
• Computer Science 3 Credits
• Additional General Education Courses 26 Credits

Total 120 Credits

Physics Courses

Mathematics Courses

Chemistry Courses

Biology Courses

Economics Courses

English Courses

Communication Studies

Computer Science (one of the following)

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What is a BS in Industrial Physics?
• 2. What would a BS in Industrial Physics graduate do after getting the degree?
• 3. What’s "wrong" with the standard physics degree?
• 4. Can ESU really house such a program?
• 5. What is the course content
• 6. Do I need to be a genius at math?
• 7. Do I need to have taken physics in high school?
• 8. Who do I contact for more information?

1. What is a BS in Industrial Physics?

An Industrial physics degree is a degree in physics that combines the mathematical and physical rigor of an undergraduate degree in physics with practical laboratory and analytic skills useful in an industrial research, design and development laboratory. A graduate of the program will be immediately employable in industry without additional course work and/or training.

2. What would a BS in Industrial Physics graduate do after getting the degree?

A graduate could work as an assistant to a research scientist or senior engineer and contribute at a level well above that of a technician (often the graduate of a vocational school). This training is meant to be more fundamental that of an engineer. The Industrial Physicist would have a stronger foundation on which to build a lifetime career.

3. What’s "wrong" with the standard physics degree?

Traditional BS Physics students either enrolled in graduate programs in physics or astronomy, or changed fields, often getting a masters degree in engineering before entering the workplace. If the BS student desired employment after completing the degree, it was usually outside of physics (computer programming and electrical engineering are examples). Most of their training remains "unused," and they have to compete with students that have specialized in these disciples.

A BS physics degree has the reputation of being one of the hardest degrees to obtain; yet ironically it offers few options outside of graduate school in physics.

4. Can ESU really house such a program?

Yes, but not all alone. Clearly we will need to work closely with industry in all aspects of this program. We need industrial input on the skills that are likely to get out students employed as well as the skills they will need to survive in the long term. Industrial internships will provide our students experience on state of the art equipment. Industrial internships will also provide feedback on the quality of our students and their strengths and weaknesses, in time for us to address any problem areas.

Some of our professors have themselves spent quite a few years working in industry themselves.

The success of the program rests on; 1) establishing excellent relationships with industry, 2) recruiting students that are motivated to handle the rigor of a physics program, 3) providing a quality educational experience for the students and 4) integrating the program within the existing physics department.

5. What is the course content

The first two years of study will resemble that of an engineering or a physics major (Chemistry I & II, Physics I through IV, Calculus I through III, Engineering Graphics, Statics and Dynamics).

In the last two years the major will include many of the courses traditionally offered at ESU, with a more practical emphasis. Two new courses have been developed, approved through the curriculum approval process and added to the departmental offering in Theoretical and Computational Physics.

The computational physics course covers the modeling of physical systems on the computer utilizing the basic physics equations. Fifty years ago physicists were split between experimentalists (who performed experiments) and theorists (who developed the mathematical physics). In the last 30 years a third group (the computational physicist) has developed that uses the computer to model real life situations (rather than simplified models).

The theoretical physics course would cover some of the advanced theoretical techniques for solving the basic physics equations. This course is essential if our majors are to tackle real world problems, rather than idealized "academic" problems.

Both of these courses would also be useful to the traditional physics majors.

We have modified the Electricity and Magnetism courses so that the first term is a self contained course (i.e. not a 2-term course) and the second term will concentrate on applications.

6. Do I need to be a genius at math?

NO. This is a common misconception. You should have had at least High School algebra. The courses are arranged so you can take pre-Calculus in your first term at ESU. That's not a typo, PRE-Calculus. If your Math SAT scores are 500 or better, we want to talk to you. We are accustomed to dealing with students like yourself. Of course if you can take Calculus in your first term (or even have taken Calculus in High School) you will have a head start on the Math.

7. Do I need to have taken high school physics?

NO. We recommend you do, if you can. But ESU physics students come with a wide variety of backgrounds. If you haven't taken physics in High School (or if the course was really poor) you can still do well here at ESU.

8. Who do I contact for more information?

Contact Prof. David A. Larrabee,